Other Mommy Draws Harsh Early Reviews Ahead of $20 Million Opening

Q: Will Jessica Chastain's dual role and a child star's breakout performance save this heavily criticized horror film from its excessive jump scares?

Probably not critically, though it may be enough commercially. The early consensus suggests Jessica Chastain’s dual role and Arabella Olivia Clark’s performance are among the film’s clearest assets, but not enough to fully overcome complaints about the movie’s construction. Several reactions single out Chastain’s commitment and Clark’s natural, emotionally credible work as Bela. One favorable review said Clark’s “soulful” performance creates real tension, and even some mixed notices acknowledged the cast as a strength. But the main criticism is broader than acting. Reviewers repeatedly cite the film’s reliance on roughly 50 jump scares, weak CGI, uneven pacing, and muddled mythology. In that context, the problem appears structural: critics arguing that the scares become repetitive are essentially saying the performances are trapped inside a film that does not sustain its own premise. One harsh response went so far as to say “not even Chastain can save such a terrible screenplay.” That said, strong performances can still help a horror film connect with audiences, especially one opening in October with a marketable concept and a recognizable star. The movie is still projected to open around $20 million, suggesting box-office interest remains solid despite the mixed-to-negative notices. So Chastain and Clark may not “save” *Other Mommy* in the eyes of critics, but they could be enough to make it watchable for genre fans and commercially viable over opening weekend.

3 articles · Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Oct 8

Early reactions from international influencers, awards bloggers and a handful of Rotten Tomatoes critics were largely negative, with some calling Other Mommy Jessica Chastain’s worst film in years.
Universal has not held official U.S. critics screenings until the last minute, instead scheduling preview shows in New York and Los Angeles just before Friday’s release.
Several reviews slammed the film’s repetitive jump scares, weak CGI and muddled story, though a few praised Rob Savage’s ambition and said the excess gave the horror movie some substance.
The Blumhouse/Atomic Monster release stars Chastain in a dual role and adapts Josh Malerman’s Incidents Around the House, with Savage previously touting roughly 50 jump scares.
Despite the poor first notices, Other Mommy is still expected to lead the weekend box office with an estimated $20 million debut.